From the Biggest Little
Town RO in Nevada
In our continuing series on Independent Living Programs, we look at winners. Some reach too far and ask for obvious things which have no chance of success. Remember always the operable word is necessary or vital to independence. Just mouthing these words and making the motions does not produce results. I have written the ILP Bible, but I always advocate getting your hands dirty flipping the pages of the BVA decisions. This always gives you valuable face time with Johnny Vet and his travails with the Man.
Going for ILP requires a strong pair of cheeks. You will get slapped around a bit. They’ll deny SF 1900 even exists. They’ll lie and say “ILwhat?”. Eventually their countenance will change when you don’t go away. At that point, it changes to “Oh, that IL program. Jeesh. Why didn’t you say so?” Present the other cheek to get the denial. Then alternate cheeks to keep them both red until they acquiesce and try to do some horsetrading. The luscious celery green MAC laptop will magically turn into a Dell pumpkin tower with an $89.95 Dell AIO printer( extra ink not included). Don’t cave in. Hold out for the 20 X 20 heated greenhouse with barometric/ temperature controlled skylights.
Here, Mr. Reno is angling for an indoor spa for exercise. The RO is trying to hold the ILP line at a cordless phone (Help. I’ve fallen down and I can call 911 now) along with grab bars at the toilet and shower door (talk about independence in daily living!). This is Standard Operating Procedure to outlast you. I like the RO’s argument that the Vet should just hop in la voiture, motor on over to Gold’s and jump in theirs. Well, then there’s that incontinence issue if he should have a little “mishap” and discolor the water somewhat. They might put him on double secret restriction and waivers.
You’ll notice they handed this one off to an Acting Law Judge to let him stumble through the minefield. I have to hand it to them. Mr. and Mrs. Reno did this pro se and won. They assembled their evidence and got a doctor to spit out the magic words. Most importantly, the Occupational Therapist was on board which is paramount. That is going to be my biggest hurtle. I have to find a greenhouse doctor.
Dream big dreams, Padawan.
What the acting VLJ doesn’t know is that an ILP program is only supposed to take into account service connected diseases and ailments. The good judge has allowed the introduction of everything wrong with him and bases his decision on that. I only hope the M-21 is equally knowledge-challenged.
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
We live in a senior apartment complex and have seen some of the ravages of diabetes on some residents, even the ones who take really good care of themselves. One resident has died. But one gentleman, after 6 months of in-home therapy, sheer determination, and good humor, is returning to a healthier and happier state. He can now walk short distances again! He had been using a scooter exclusively to get around previously. If you saw his legs, you would understand what a big deal this is.
I’m heartened to read that a VA judge has given this veteran a “new lease on life” by granting him a spa. It may really make a big improvement in his functioning and health. Thanks for the good news.
I got 3 epidermal injections in L4-L5 once a week for three weeks. I was also to get neck injections but refused. My doctor was an east indian spine specialist. Back then he told me I could get a special bed for my condition. He also said he could recommend it but the vA would deny it and he would get a warning from his boss. Warning? I never went back because the shit they injected into my spine mixed badly with my celexa. I freaked out and went ballistic on the social worker at the VAMC. I was also on IFN injections and morphine. This doctor has since retired and NOW I have told there is no such thing as spas, beds, or other relief for those with RA and degenerative disc disease. I will investigate NODS advise as always. I see those commercials on TV about beds and showers for those on medicaid, etc. I do not trust the vA to tell me the truth about anything to do with my medical issues…
When I went to the VA to find out about the locals concerning ILP I was told nope, no hot tub for you. We just fund out for ramps. Even with three doctors notes concerning the benefits and help with movement due to back issues and neuropathy they looked at me like I was trying to steal their first born child. I left the office feeling as though the slap was a little over the top. Never went back. Yes, I did give up but I could see no future in fighting with a group of people who did not want to hear my reasoning and had me sit through programing geared toward seeking employment. Any and all comments would be appreciated. P.S. – Did not try to get the cadillac of spas just a small version of the 3 man tub without all of the bells and whistles.